Foreign Exchange Analysis
Foreign exchange markets lay the groundwork for globalization. Effective foreign exchange analysis helps people monitor factors that influence exchange rates. Familiarize yourself with currency risks to install the proper risk-management strategy.
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Identification
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Foreign exchange rates compare competing currency valuations against each other. Consumers covet higher exchange rates, as they increase buying power for international goods. Conversely, multinational businesses benefit from lower domestic exchange rates, which make their goods less expensive for foreign buyers.
Effects
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Foreign exchange rates parallel economic and political conditions. Strong exchange rates are associated with improving economies and government stability. Investors then trade for a country's currency to purchase its stocks, bonds and real estate. Higher demand for the currency supports elevated exchange rates.
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Considerations
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Interest-rate analysis helps investors foreshadow foreign exchange rates. Countries with high prevailing interest rates generally feature high exchange rates. Investors covet the nation's currency to purchase fixed income assets that pay relatively high returns.
Warning
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Exchange-rate fluctuations may cause financial losses. Multinational firms are less competitive when domestic exchange rates rise, which translate into higher prices for exports. Consumers, however, lose purchasing power when domestic exchange rates fall.
Strategy
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Currency derivatives, such as futures, are risk management products. Currency derivatives lock in predetermined exchange rates for set time periods.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dollar bill image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com